Huaraz is the perfect departure point for excursions into both the Cordillera Blanca and the Cordillera Negra. It's in the heights of the Sierra that you will truly discover all the fantastic features that the Ancash region has to offer.

Huarez: a jewel nestled between snow-covered peaks

It's at Lima that the great numbers of Peruvians found themselves in the 50s, when the rural exodus was at its peak. The capital has seen a tenfold increase in its population and it's this mixture of people and cultures from all over the country that gives it all its variety today.

Visiting Lima's various neighbourhoods

A visit to the heart of the various pre-Incan civilisations in the land of the Lambayeque. The region is brimming with important archaeological remains, so let's follow the tracks of this impressive historical heritage...

Lambayeque: follow in the footsteps of ancient civilisations

Located between the Selva and the Cordillera of the Andes, the Huancavélica and Cerro Pasco region will put you under its spell, with its incredible landscapes, the welcoming nature of the local inhabitants and the old traditions that are still very much alive

Pasco and Huancavélica: a voyage combining nature and tradition

The huge capital of Peru sprung up out the desert. Lima is a noisy town, an easy going place where clouds cover the sky for 8 months of the year.

South America

On these pages you will find ideas for a trip to Peru to help you prepare for your trip. All these ideas are there just to get your imagination going; you can alter, mix and match them as you please. Your local agent will help you create a unique and unforgettable trip, just for you! Peru has three distinct parts, each with its own character: the Pacific coast, which is the most densely populated; the Andes range, with the highest mountain being the towering Huascarán at 6,768 metres; and the Amazon, which covers the largest part of the country. If you’re going, start with the must-see: Machu Picchu – fortunately not found by the Conquistadors – rediscovered in 1911. You should visit it at dawn to see the ruins shrouded in mist. This extraordinary site still clasps a few secrets to its bosom. Not far away, the Andes range draw ramblers and trekkers to magnificent landscapes. The ultimate rambling experience is the Inca Trail through exceptional archaeological sites. During your stay in Peru, you must stop in Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire. The Spanish erected their buildings, especially religious ones, over Inca constructions which they systematically destroyed, only sparing their characteristic foundations, which are still visible today with their large, perfectly cut and fitted stones. A voyage out of time awaits you in Cusco.

Peru

Lima

 Pisac: a wonderful site that remains still very well preserved today and where you can see and appreciate the ingenious system of terraces developed during the pre-Inca era in all its splendour.

Pisac

 The town of Ollantaytambo and it's archaeological site are situated between Cusco and Machu Picchu. Take the time to visit this charming, little Inca town.

Ollantaytambo

Andahuaylillas, a small village in the Andes mountains is still protected from the many tourist buses roaming all around Cusco.

Andahuayillas

 Pachacamac is one of Peru's biggest archaeological sites. This impressive complex sits by the Pacific Ocean.  

Pachacamac

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The huge site of Pachacamac (sovereign of the world in Quechua) is in the heart of the desert, so if you're planning to explore it on your own, make sure you wear a hat, slap on the sunscreen and take plenty of water. If you go on a guided tour, you'll be on a double decker bus - less enchanting but practical. This ancient town prospered from the Lima to Inca civilisations, namely from 200BC to 1500, so you can imagine the importance it held in the region. From what we know, the town was a religious centre and pilgrimage site. Inhabited by female acolytes it was also home to a famous Inca oracle. I went for the cheaper option and toured the site by foot, although I regretted not having hired a guide. Fifty buildings are spread across several hectares but, as not all are restored, you'll need to use a bit of imagination to visualise the city during its heyday. The museum at the exit helps to fill in the gaps! The views from the higher levels are well worth the effort. An interesting excursion to put on your <a href="/peru/">Peruvian to do list</a> and a worthwhile stopoff between Lima and Paracas.

A pre-Inca site situated at 30km from Lima.       

The Pachacamac was an important pre-Inca civilisation that went into decline around 1450, the time when the Incas rose to power.  With my guide in tow, I really enjoyed touring the huge archaeological site as well as the museum. Visiting both made my trip all the more worthwhile, as I learnt so much about the area's history. The view that greets you when you reach the highest level of the site is jaw-dropping. On my way up, I trudged through a desert-like landscape, void of any vegetation. It was only when I arrived at the top that I found myself face to face with the Pacific Ocean. So you can imagine my surprise at seeing the expanse of green and fertile lands that stretched out below. This imposing <a href="/peru/">Peruvian site</a> will appeal to any visitor fascinated by pre-Inca civilisations.

Pachacamac is one of Peru's biggest archaeological sites. This impressive complex sits by the Pacific Ocean.

Pachacamac Vacations

Pachacamac: How to get there?

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